Portsmouth, United Kingdom: Construction on the forward island structure for the first Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier began today at BAE Systems’ facility in Portsmouth Naval Base.

Employees and guests watched as Second Sea Lord and Commander in Chief Naval Home Command, Vice Admiral Charles Montgomery CBE ADC cut the first steel, formally marking the start of production on the island structure. Housing the bridge and navigation systems for the Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers, the forward island is fundamental to the effective command and control of the vessel. The island also includes the vessel’s long range radar, providing wide area surveillance up to 400 kilometres.